Balanceability

Balanceability is a learn to cycle programme specially designed to teach young children 2 ½ to 6 years old the skills to learn to ride a pedal bike without the use of stabilisers. It promotes the fundamental skill of cycling which is balance.

Balanaceability is linked to the Foundation Stage Curriculum and is a two level programme with each level being delivered in 6 sessions of around 45mins. Throughout the programme children will develop:

Dynamic and static balance – children will feel more confident on a balance bike due to the ability to place their feet on the floor & also due to the fact that their centre of gravity is lower than on a pedal bike

Spatial awareness – children will learn to ride safely, with control around others and around obstacles

Gross motor skills – such as hopping, running, jumping and leaping. These skills will help to build the foundations on which they can build more complex movement patterns in other areas

Sensory motor skills – movement is a key part of every child’s development and forms a vital part in facilitating exploration and discovery. Children will respond to sight, sound, touch and develop a kinaesthetic awareness during the sessions.

“Learning to ride a bike is one of life’s milestones providing children with their first taste of mobile independence.”

Specific skills covered in the Level 1 course include:

Manoeuvring the bike by themselves

Picking it up / putting it down safely

Mounting and dismounting the bike

Riding position

How to stop – using feet and brakes

Balancing

Walking, running and jumping on the bike

Gliding

We are delivering balanceability courses in schools with training delivered by fully qualified instructors. Training ideally consists of 6 x 45 min sessions with groups of up to 15 children. There is flexibility in this though and we can deliver sessions of 30 mins if necessary to fit with school timetables and class sizes. All of the equipment is provided and training is delivered outside on the school playground.

We can also help schools who would like to purchase their own bikes and equipment or who would like to train up their own staff to deliver the training. Read more here.

To find out more or to book a course please email us at cmcdonnell@combertonvc.org